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Several members of the royal family gathered at Westminster Abbey on March 9 to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

The Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) arrived in a blue Catherine Walker coatdress and matching hat. She accessorized with a five-strand pearl necklace and matching earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

Kate’s stepmother-in-law, Queen Camilla, chose a bold red coatdress by Fiona Clare with a matching hat by Philip Treacy, and a diamond palm leaf brooch that once belonged to the late queen.

Here’s why someone who used to work for the royals thinks Kate’s look is actually based on a request from Queen Elizabeth. Plus, what Camilla’s outfit symbolizes.

Former royal butler thinks Kate is fulfilling request Queen Elizabeth made before her death

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the monarch and his wife, Camilla, his duties also included those of valet, house manager, and driver. He looked after Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate as well whenever they stayed at Highgrove House.

Speaking on behalf of Slots Temple, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Kate has been seen wearing quite a lot of Queen Elizabeth jewelry recently, and I think that is a nod to the late queen. She was very close to the late queen and got on very well with her. Maybe it was even something the late queen suggested to her — that when she was gone, she would like Kate to continue wearing her jewelry — because she does seem to wear it quite a lot. And Kate wears these key pieces to high-profile events, where she knows the photos will go around the world.

“It’s a great nod and tribute to the late queen, and a lovely way to keep her in everyone’s memories. Obviously, the Commonwealth was very important to the queen, so it’s actually a really nice touch. It’s a lovely thing that they are doing.”

Queen Camilla also wore something that belonged to her mother-in-law

But Kate wasn’t the only one wearing jewelry that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth; Queen Camilla did as well.

“Camilla’s brooch belonged to the late queen’s mother, who left it to Queen Elizabeth,” Harrold said. “The late queen wore it to her last Ascot … She also used to wear it for royal tours to Commonwealth nations, which is possibly why Camilla is wearing it.”

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Fashion expert Laura Bulla commented on Queen Camilla’s Commonwealth Day look as well.

Speaking on half of OLBG, Bulla noted, “The bright red ensemble is complete with a unique asymmetrical hat. In classic royal tradition, the silhouette is neutral, conservative, and subtly catches the eye. The collar is close to the neck, featuring a fabric-covered button detail, with five buttons closing from the top to the center of the jacket.

“Black pumps and tights do not detract from the juxtaposition of the paisley-shaped metal brooch, pinned to the top of the right side of the jacket. Bright red is symbolic of many things, its undeniably bold influence, and ability to draw the eye is sometimes seen to be symbolic of power.”

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